Cruise Ships Inject $20 Million Into Local Economy New Record For Local Airport

Holidaymakers, industry workers and visiting family members have all combined to create record-breaking numbers for Whitsunday Coast Airport over the Easter holidays.

Craig Tuner, Chief Operating Officer for Aviation and Tourism for the Whitsunday Regional Council said that up to 3000 passengers transited through the airport per day.

“When you think our best was 2,200 last April, this is a significant uplift,” he said. “We are on-track this year to do over 500,000 passengers!”

Over 30,000 passengers disembarked from cruise ships last month, each of them visiting a diverse range of restaurants and shops, and taking part in tours and excursions on offer in our beautiful region.

This year, 65 cruise ships are scheduled to sail into Whitsundays waters and there are 43 now remaining.

This welcome boost for tourism is a game changer for our local economy.

Local operator, Julie Telford from Red Cat Adventures, said that Airlie Beach is buzzing on cruise ship days.

“It’s a really different vibe – the streets are so busy, and the town is pumping!” she said.

“The cruise ships play a big part in getting us back off the ground after COVID and all the passengers spend money on souvenirs, food, drink and having fun.

“They always come into our main street shop and ask for recommendations, and they are great for filling up last minute seats if they are not already pre-booked.”

A central part of the cruise ship experience is the welcome they receive when they disembark.

Since 2004, the Cruise Ship Ambassadors wearing their tropical shirts and big smiles have been greeting each passenger, offering maps and advice on where to go.

This friendly welcome has heightened the passenger experience and made the Airlie port a favourite among visiting cruisers.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton, says he is hugely appreciative of the work that the Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors are doing to welcome cruise ship passengers.

“The welcome passengers are receiving from our Ambassadors is another reason for them to get off the ship and explore The Whitsundays,” he said.

“Our volunteers are from all industries but have one thing in common, a love of people and customer service, this is something that isn’t trainable, and we’re fortunate to have so many people who all love helping people enjoy their holidays.”

There are 35 Cruise Ship Ambassadors who meet every ship as it arrives, and they are always looking for extra volunteers to participate on a rotating roster.

Ideal for a retired individual who is looking for a worthwhile activity to fill some free time, becoming a Cruise Ship Ambassador is a great way to make new friends and meet new people while spruiking our stunning region.

“Every time we meet a cruise ship we’re greeting people and welcoming them, many for the first time, to The Whitsundays,” said Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors Coordinator, Lyn Blanche.

“A friendly welcome and help to get the most out of their time on shore go a long way when you’re visiting somewhere for the first time.”

Next Friday, the last of the three direct Bonza routes opens to the Whitsundays as we welcome Toowoomba alongside Sunshine Coast and Newcastle lines.

This new addition means that the airport will now receive up to 11 flights a day compared to a maximum of six just a few months ago.

“We are expecting to see some really amazing numbers,” said Mr Turner.

It is now more cost effective and efficient for people living in Newcastle and Toowoomba to travel direct from their closest airport.

This means that miners and industry workers will now transit through to Collinsville and the Bowen Basin.

Craig said that he is also anticipating savvy holidaymakers will book direct through Bonza and transit to the surrounding island resorts.

“It is far cheaper to fly direct than to go Sydney so we are expecting a real mix of VFR (visiting friends and family), holidaymakers and also industries,” he said.

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